The Robben Island diversity experience. An exploration of South African diversity dynamics

A unique exploration of South African diversity dynamics revealed five key themes—crossing boundaries, engaging the brave new world, ties that bind, being imprisoned, and the struggle—through a systems psychodynamic lens. The study analyzed experiences from participants in the Robben Island Diversity Experience (RIDE), the only annual event designed with this perspective. Using qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology, researchers interviewed 15 attendees and content-analyzed their responses to uncover unconscious dynamics shaping diversity perceptions. This work contributes critical insights for diversity management interventions, highlighting how deeper psychological factors influence organizational dynamics in South Africa.

Pretorius, M., Cilliers, F., & Michelle, M. (2012). The Robben Island diversity experience. An exploration of South African diversity dynamics. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology, 38(2). https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v38i2.996